Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

                                          

Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea

·       Lose weight

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals with 2 hours of going to bed

·       Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep hours

·       Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)-dental device that fits inside the mouth, like an athletic mouth guard. OAT is a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and convenient for travel.

Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea

·       Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)-machine is used with a variety of breathing masks that cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keep the breathing passages open while sleeping.  CPAP machines are being updated and improved; they are lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

·       Sleep Apnea Implants-one of the newest treatments; involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscle to keep airways open for breathing during sleep.

·       Surgery-increase the size of the airway; risks of complications and infections.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who can assist you with treatment.    

Dr. Anna Lee performs an airway assessment and Sleep Apnea evaluation.  Dr. Anna Lee also conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  If you have any questions, please call for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  Patient may not be aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night. The sleep deprivation (can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep) caused by sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and increased risk of driving accidents.  Sleep apnea is also linked to some serious medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and diabetes.

Major warning signs of Sleep Apnea

·       Loud and chronic snoring almost every night

·       Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep

·       Pauses in breathing

·       Waking up at night feeling short of breath

·       Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

                                      

            Other warning signs of Sleep Apnea  Insomnia 

Nighttime awakenings; restless sleep

     Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

·       Going to the bathroom frequently during the night

·       Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

·       Moody, irritable, depress

·       Morning headaches

*If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, for a free consultation for Sleep Apnea. Call for an appointment at 626-335-5114 or email: drannalee1@gmail.com.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

·       Patient compliance

·       Comfortable

·       Easy to wear

·       Quiet

·       Portable

·       Convenient for travel

·       Easy to care for

                                   Glendora Dentist can help

·       Works closely with the physician to treat OSA

·       Talks to patients about the benefits of OAT

·       Provides information on potential side effects and the cost of OAT

·       Conducts a complete clinical evaluation: examination of the teeth, jaw, tongue and airway

·       Takes impressions and models of the teeth for lab to fabricate OAT

·       Fits and adjusts OAT, oral hygiene instructions

·       Schedules for sleep study to verify treatment (OAT ) success

·       Schedules follow up visits to ensure the optimal fit of OAT

·       Schedules for annual assessment

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) helps travelers to continue their sleep apnea treatment while on the road. Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) promotes a healthier heart, body and mind. With good sleep, you will live a happier and healthier life. 

If you want information on treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), schedule a free consultation with the Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com